Welcome!

Dr. James Shenberg and his experienced team share a united goal of early diagnosis and preventative dentistry.

Our philosophy is to provide the best possible care through conservative procedures in restorative and cosmetic interventions to achieve maximum dental health.

Early detection is the key to minimally invasive dentistry and is achieved through our unique combination of high-tech dentistry and quality care.

The use of modern digital imaging devices allows patients to see what the dentist sees and helps the patient participate in the decision making process for treatment options.

We offer a facility for our patients where they can feel at ease. Our professional office team strives to afford every patient maximum comfort by addressing any anxieties or concerns they may have about dental care.

Biomimetic Dentistry

Dr. Shenberg practices Biomimetic Dentistry, the art of “copying what is life-like” by restoring damaged teeth in a way that mimics natural teeth in strength, function, and appearance. Nature and evolution have designed your teeth to last a lifetime, so why not follow nature’s design to restore damaged and decaying teeth?

Biomimetic dentistry aims to preserve natural tooth structure and prevent more invasive dental procedures in the future. It can be used in circumstances where traditional dentistry would resort to crowns. To place a crown, a dentist must remove over 70% of a tooth’s natural structure – much of which is still healthy. Exposing the internal aspects of a tooth can make it more structurally compromised and sensitive. This can lead to often-preventable root canals and further dental intervention. Biomimetic dentistry only removes the damaged or decayed aspects of a tooth to help preserve the tooth’s vitality. Dr. Shenberg’s personal experience of applying biomimetic techniques coincides with the 90% decrease other dentists reported in the need for root canals once they adopted Biomimetic techniques.

Advanced Oxidative Process

Oxygen is a natural disinfectant once it is in its activated form, which can help to prevent further disease processes by working as a natural bacterial intervention. Eradicating bacteria from the remaining tooth structure, once the decayed or damaged portion is removed, allows the dentist to ensure that no lingering bacteria will cause further disease once the restoration has been placed.

The addition of advanced oxidative processes to your dental treatments not only leads to a healthier mouth, it may also play a role in the oral-systemic connection. It is well established that your oral health affects your overall health, and vice versa. Creating a healthier oral environment may help to ensure that oral disease will not contribute to future concerns elsewhere in the body, especially your heart.

We will assist you in acquiring any past dental care information and radiographs prior to your visit. We attempt to utilize current radiographs as to avoid unnecessary duplication and exposure to radiation.

DIAGNOSTIC EXAM

We will take a detailed look at your teeth with Digital Imaging, a digital version of traditional film radiographs. The images are displayed on a chair-side monitor as soon as they are taken. Logicon software will aid in detection of any tooth decay by thoroughly assessing the images for any variation in the tooth density beyond what the eye can see.

Digital imaging provides these benefits:

Significantly lower radiation exposure

Speed and ease of use for both the patient and technician

Immediate review of images on chair-side monitor

High resolution images that can be adjusted and magnified for better viewing

Improved communication regarding diagnosis and treatment options

Smile for the Camera

We employ intra-oral High Resolution Digital Photography to aid in the diagnostic process. A pen-sized digital camera captures full-color magnified images of your teeth and displays them on the chair-side monitor. These images allow you to make more informed decisions about your dental care by revealing what Dr. Shenberg sees.

Laser Diagnostic

Our initial diagnostic exam involves Diagnodent laser technology, replacing the dentist’s need to assess for any dental decay with sharp instruments. This painless process relies on a gentle laser light source to inspect the internal surfaces of your teeth. It also detects decay at an earlier stage and more accurately than traditional techniques, allowing for smaller, less invasive fillings.

The Big Picture

Sometimes we need a more comprehensive picture of your mouth. A Digital Panoramic System will capture a complete image of your upper and lower jaw – including all teeth and surrounding bone – in seconds.

Our Services

Hygiene & Preventative

Experience a relaxing and comprehensive exam and cleaning by one of our capable and professional Dental Hygienists. Regular dental cleanings allow hygienists to optimize your dental care through early detection of dental concerns, which can greatly reduce the extent of required restorative work. Beyond a complete evaluation of your oral health you will receive:

Thorough yet gentle plaque and calculus removal

Polishing and removal of stains

Head and neck examination

Full periodontal assessment

Oral hygiene instruction

Nutritional counseling (if applicable)

Nitrous oxide available (additional fee)

Restorative Services

While our office emphasizes the importance of preventative dentistry and will do everything possible to ensure you maintain healthy, natural teeth, sometimes restorative interventions are necessary. We aim to uphold our philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry throughout all of our services.

Early detection, often through regular teeth cleanings, allows for minimally invasive porcelain fillings. Treating small cavities early can prevent more drastic interventions in the future. Porcelain fillings can also be used to replace amalgam fillings once the original material has been safely removed. Additionally, porcelain is commonly used in esthetic restorations and elective dentistry, such as veneers.

On occasion more extensive interventions are necessary and a crown or root canal must be considered. We offer multiple types of crowns: porcelain fused to gold, cast ceramic, and fine gold. Dr. Shenberg will walk through all of your options with you. If a root canal is necessary, Dr. Shenberg will assess whether he will complete the procedure in our office or if he will refer you to one of the highly experienced endodontists we work with in our area.

In special cases where a tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Shenberg will assess the best treatment plan for you. Tooth replacement options include implants and fixed or removable dental appliances, such as bridges, partials, and dentures. The greatest care will be taken to ensure that all dental work provided only enhances your smile and will complement your existing teeth.

Before/After Amalgam Removal Replaced with a Ceramic Onlay

Before/After Amalgam Removal Replaced with a Composite Filling

Before/After Diastema Closure using Chairside Composite Resin

Dental Lab Onsite

Dr. Shenberg is constantly involved with your dental work from start to finish. This includes working closely with dental technicians to ensure a perfect fit for your crowns, bridges, and other appliances. Our office utilizes Ocean Park Dental Ceramics, a dental lab adjacent to our suite, to allow for customization during your appointment of crown and bridgework. Details, such as tooth shade, are decided during a chair-side consult with the dentist and lab technician. This work is crafted by onsite technicians, who deliver personally tailored restorations.

Additional Services

Beyond restorative work, our office provides additional services to maintain the healthy, attractive smile you deserve. Bleaching is available as a home kit. We also offer retainers, sport guards, and night guards to maintain and protect your teeth. Another common concern we attend to is assessing oral and facial pain for TMJ concerns. We work with you to establish lifestyle modifications to diminish your symptoms and can refer you to a chiropractor that specializes in cranial and TMJ concerns.

Referral Services

When necessary, excellent referral services are available for:

Endodontics

Pedodontics

Periodontics

Oral surgery

Chiropractor for associated TMJ problems

Policy & Insurance

APPOINTMENT POLICY

When we schedule your appointment, this time is reserved for you. We will make every effort to personally remind you of this appointment by phone, email, or text. If you are unable to keep this appointment we require 48 hours advance notice, during our business hours, by telephone (310) 581-5700, or a broken appointment fee will be charged. We are dedicated to scheduling our patients in a timely manner and can offer the appointment to another patient in need if you are unable to use this time.

FINANCIAL POLICY

We understand that dental treatment can be an unexpected expense. All fees and payment will be discussed with you before any treatment is performed. We are committed to helping you afford the treatment that you need and deserve.

In order for Dr. Shenberg and his staff to devote as much time as possible to each patient, we are a fee-for-service office and payment is expected at the time of service. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. We also work with Care Credit for financing.

INSURANCE

For patients who may have dental insurance, we will prepare the necessary forms or reports to help you obtain your benefits from insurance companies. Your copayment and any deductible will be estimated and collected at the time of service.

To avoid misunderstandings regarding dental insurance, we wish our patients to know that all professional services provided are charged directly to the patient and that patients are personally

responsible for payment of fees. We do not render our services on the basis that insurance companies will pay our fees. We encourage patients to be involved and have a full understanding of their policy.

If we do not contract with your dental insurance plan, you can still receive care in our office and may receive benefits according to the terms of your insurance contract. We make no contract agreements regarding your dental health with anyone but you. We will help you understand your plan and its terms as best we can.

Meet the Dentist

JAMES E. SHENBERG D.D.S.

Dr. Shenberg earned his Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry and became licensed in 1972.

Dr. Shenberg has continuously worked in private practice, offering services in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. He was a member and partner of a well-respected dental group practice in the West Los Angeles area for 14 years until he founded his own private practice in 1986. In addition to private practice, Dr. Shenberg taught at the USC dental school as a Clinical Instructor in various dental specialties.

Dr. Shenberg has remained current in dental advancements by attending over 1000 hours of continuing education courses held throughout the United States and internationally. Many of these courses have focused on minimally invasive dentistry and modern preventative techniques.

Dr. Shenberg’s passion for innovation in the field of dentistry has played an integral role in his personal career as well. In 1988, Dr. Shenberg was granted a US patent for his dental handpiece and high-speed turbine assembly. His most recent contribution to advancing the field of dentistry was the founding of TherOzone USA, Inc. and development of the T-8000, technology that allows the disinfection of dental unit waterlines without relying on hazardous chemicals. The T-8000 earned US FDA clearance in 2015, making it one of the first ozone-based medical devices to earn FDA clearance. TherOzone is also a major distributor of the Blue Leaf, a handheld spray bottle that converts tap water into ozone-infused water and puts the power of ozone into the hands of the consumer.

Dr. Shenberg has been a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Western Dental Society since 1972. He also is a member of the Southern California Academy of Oral Pathology and the Western Society of Periodontology. In addition to these professional organizations, Dr. Shenberg is a long-term member of the Century Club, which is a major support organization for the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.

Office Team

Dr. Shenberg has assembled an office team of dental assistants, dental hygienists, and front office staff who have worked together for many years. Dr. Shenberg has been partnered with his main dental assistant for over 20 years, during which they have developed seamless teamwork during procedures. He has also fostered irreplaceable partnerships with his dental hygienists, whom he has worked with for over 25 and 40 years. His loyal front office staff has been with him for over 30 years combined, throughout which they have developed a thorough understanding of what patients will expect and how to ensure the office runs at its best. This experienced team works alongside Dr. Shenberg to provide you with the most rewarding dental experience they can offer.